SUBJECT:
Title
PRESENTATION - Recognition of Agriculture Volunteers - Caitlin Justesen, Livestock Agent, Cooperative Extension Services (Presentation Only)
Body
INITIATOR: DEPARTMENT:
Lynn Nobles, Director Cooperative Extension Services
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
The UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Department would like to formally recognize the volunteers who contribute hundreds of hours of service to our agricultural community through their participation in three programs: Master Gardeners, 4-H Youth Development, and the Southeastern Youth Fair. Their dedication contributes to the development of youth, nutrition and food systems, environmental education, and sustainable agriculture. National Farm-City Week is the perfect time to celebrate these individuals for the lucrative partnership between rural and urban communities, complementing the economy with jobs and providing a rich harvest to feed the population. Restaurants, grocers, and producers ensure the expanded use of agricultural products. Whether they provide consumers with food, medicine, or textiles, they economically impact their cities and rural communities.
The 2024 UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Department volunteer list includes:
• Master Gardeners - 150 volunteers with 20,306 hours served, valued at $597,051
• 4-H Volunteers - 113 volunteers with 5,500 hours served, valued at $161,755
• Southeastern Youth Fair Volunteers - 400 volunteers with 9,862 hours served, valued at $289,943
Total value of volunteer services returned to the community in Food and Agriculture Sciences was $1,048,749.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Presentation only.
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